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Do Hair Loss Shampoos Really Work? Know The Truth Here!

Understand what goes into these products to learn how they can benefit you.

Reviewed by Tiffany YoungTiffany Young, Certified Trichology Practitioner
By Annie JangamAnnie Jangam  • 
Do Hair Loss Shampoos Really Work? Know The Truth Here!

Image: Shutterstock

It is common for hair loss shampoos to make impressive claims about their effectiveness. For example, some products promise to increase hair growth and prevent thinning hair. We will tell you whether this is true or a marketing ploy to get your attention.

This article provides an overview of the various shampoos available for treating hair loss and how they work. Check out all the details below.

What Is Hair Loss Shampoo?

Woman washing hair with hair loss shampoo

Image: Shutterstock

Shampoos that stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth are called hair loss shampoos. They usually contain DHT blockers, ketoconazole, hydrocortisonei  XA steroid hormone used to treat itching, redness, and rashes caused by various skin conditions. , or volumizing proteins.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone that is known to shrink hair follicles, resulting in thinning hair (1). Another common component used in hair loss shampoos is panthenol, which is known for its fortifying properties.

Ingredients such as caffeine that boost blood circulation are also used in hair loss shampoos to promote hair growth.

Few examples of hair loss shampoos include Nioxin, SIMFORT Carbonic Acid Shampoo, and Ultrax Hair Surge Hair Loss Shampoo.

Did You Know?
Female pattern baldness is the most common form of alopecia, or baldness, in women. Affected women may experience psychological distress and impaired social functioning (2).

Keep reading to find out if these shampoos really work!

Related: How To Use Ketoconazole Shampoo For Hair Loss Prevention

Does Hair Loss Shampoo Really Work To Stop Hair Loss?

Woman reading the label of a hair loss shampoo

Image: Shutterstock

No, hair loss shampoos cannot prevent hair loss. However, they may help in promoting hair growth and adding thickness and volume.

If your hair loss is associated with a scalp condition such as seborrheic dermatitisi  XA common chronic skin condition that affects the oily areas of the body, especially the scalp, causing flaking and scaly patches. or psoriasisi  XA chronic skin condition that causes itchy skin, rashes, and scaly patches, mostly on the knees, scalp, elbows, and trunk. , then using shampoos with antifungal or anti-inflammatory agents may help reverse it. According to anecdotal evidence, both ketoconazole and hydrocortisone help in boosting hair growth to some extent. You can find the best ketoconazole shampoos here. Keep in mind that ketoconazole is not approved by FDA for treating hair loss.

Similarly, shampoos with DHT blockers are said to suppress DHT, a hormone that is known to shrink the hair follicles. So, there is a slight chance that using these shampoos may help in minimizing hair thinning.

Finally, shampoos with panthenol are claimed to add thickness to the hair. Thus, they are known as hair-thickening shampoos. This derivative of vitamin B2 is claimed to help in attracting moisture to the hair strands, which makes the hair look thicker, healthier, and shiner. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the same.

Did You Know?
Studies have shown that significant female-pattern hair loss is seen in 1/4th of women over 50 (2).

Thus, there is no conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of hair loss shampoos. Find out what are the alternative treatments to fight hair loss in the next section.

Related: How To Use Garlic Shampoo For Hair Loss

Treatments Options Currently Available

Woman undergoing hair transplant to treat hair loss

Image: Shutterstock

  • Drugs: The most popular drugs used to treat hair loss, especially male pattern baldness, are finasteride and minoxidil. These drugs have shown promising results in clinical trials (3), (4).
  • Hair Transplant: Hair transplant offers the best long-term results despite being on the more expensive side. In most cases, hair transplants can help manage hair loss successfully with little to no maintenance. Apart from the cost and recovery time, hair transplants are a great option to treat chronic hair loss.
Related: Side Effects Of Hair Transplantation You Must Know

Infographic: Taking Care Of Your Mane If You Have Hair Loss Issues

Hair loss is due to various underlying factors that may not let your hair — new or old — grow. They leave your tresses fragile and more prone to breakage. Thus, you need to be extra cautious and gentle with your hair. Check out the infographic below to learn the tips for maintaining strands with hair loss issues.

taking care of mane if you have hair loss issues (infographic)
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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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It is important to state that while many hair loss and hair fall shampoos declare that they can fend off hair loss, you won’t see results overnight. Hair loss shampoos are not miraculous elixirs that can vanquish the villain of the story, i.e., severe shedding. The best way to treat hair loss is to get to the root of the matter –⁠ its cause. Once you figure out the cause of your hair fall, choose a shampoo that addresses that specific issue. For example, if your hair fall is caused by inflammation or a fungal infection, opt for an anti-inflammatory or antifungal shampoo. If the hair loss is caused due to hormonal issues, you should look for a shampoo with DHT blockers, like a caffeine shampoo. Remember to consult a doctor to diagnose the true cause of your hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shampoos are causing your hair to fall out?

Shampoos with SLES, SLS, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil may cause hair fall. If your shampoo has a high pH level, it could also lead to hair damage and hair fall. Using the wrong shampoo for your hair type may cause hair fall as well.

Is biotin shampoo good for hair loss?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that using biotin shampoo may improve hair health, in turn reducing hair loss. But it is better to try biotin supplementation over a biotin shampoo.

Key Takeaways

  • Hair loss shampoos contain caffeine, DHT blockers, ketoconazole, and panthenol that help strengthen your hair and check thinning.
  • You cannot trust all the tall claims that manufacturers make. In this case, there is little evidence to suggest that these shampoos stop hair loss.
  • Instead, you can go for drugs like finasteride and minoxidil for promising results.

References:

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.


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